The 1960s was a decade that changed the trajectory of the United States. There was the Civil Rights Movement, the integration of schools, and a generation of people who didn’t want to fight in a war they didn’t believe in. John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy rewrote what it meant to be President and First Lady.
Millennials and Gen-Z have shown a recent affinity for the past. Things like vinyl records and vintage cars have shot up in value. Diners and drive-in theaters are becoming popular date nights. Another beloved factor from this timeframe was fashion. People were still figuring out how to express themselves with the clothes they wore. Up until the late 1950s, everyone dressed the same. Women wore only dresses and men only wore suits. Children wore these same clothes in smaller sizes.
By 1960, women were pushing along with the Feminist Movement. New beliefs were reflected in the clothes worn. Jackets and jeans started to become casual pieces of clothing. Colorful shirts and socks allowed people to be their true selves. The hippie movement was also starting to gain traction. This was another form of self-expression that hadn’t been seen before. There are tons of certain trends coming back sooner than was expected. It’s 2024 now, but click here to read more about 13 fashion trends that defined 2023.
24/7 Tempo consulted different fashion-centered sources for this list of awesome 60s fashion trends that need to resurface. These sources include Elle, Who What Wear, and InStyle.
Pant Suits
BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 06: Petra Dieners wears a full look by SLY010, silver shoes by MiuMiu and a bag by Dior during the Berlin Fashion Week AW24 on February 06, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
Women started to pursue professional careers in the late 1960s, which meant fashion had to adapt to the changes. As of now, more women than ever have joined the work force full-time because of the rising cost of living. Pant suits aren’t just for work, though.
Pant suits have started to resurface due to the new color schemes they’re offered in. It’s common to wear this style out to a club or restaurant for a date night. The versatility of pant suits has made them a hot commodity for women all around the world. Look out for this fashion trend on the comeback trail.
Male Short Shorts
MALAGA, SPAIN - APRIL 25: Daniel wears Havana sandal, Lululemon shorts and Frank & Oak shirt during the 18th Malaga Spanish Film Festival on April 25, 2015 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images)
Hip Hop in the 1990s and 2000s made men develop a greater appreciation for baggy clothes. Plenty of women have stated that they prefer seeing men in clothing that doesn’t hang loosely or awkwardly. Since a lot of guys want to impress women with different fashion choices, it’s only natural that short shorts are making a comeback.
In hotter places, you’re more likely to see a guy wearing form-fitting shorts than baggy shorts. The form-fitting shorts phenomenon is quickly coming back, following their popularity in the 1960s.
Babydoll Dresses
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Dylan Mulvaney attends the Kate Spade New York presentation during New York Fashion Week 2023 at The Whitney Museum of American Art on February 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Another apparel option that offers a slimming affect is babydoll dresses. The way the dress sits, the waist shape is almost entirely hidden. After the spread of COVID-19 in 2020, plenty of people admitted they struggled with weight gain from being holed up inside.
Many folks started working on body goals while hoping to still feel confident in going out. These babydoll dresses were the perfect way to confidently get back into society following the pandemic. Everyone’s health journey is unique to themselves, but having an dress style like this during the journey gives people enough confidence to take the first step.
Ankle Showing Pants
HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Singer Pharrell Williams, shoe detail, attends the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
In the 2000s, if your socks or ankles showed with long pants, you’d immediately become the center of comical torment. Today, showing off the ankles is a fashion trend that can be traced back to the 1960s. Showing skin of any kind was still a new idea for men back then, and the first place they comfortably started with was their ankles. Having your ankles is thought of as a sign someone’s confident in themselves.
Late 60s Hippie Attire
Psychedelic rock group The Group Image perform in Tompkins Square Park, New York City, 1968. (Photo by Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
The hippie lifestyle started to become popularized in the late 1960s. The message was about love, peace, and acceptance. These ideas are common to discuss among the Millennial and Gen-Z age groups. However, these groups don’t know how to express themselves other than on social media.
Revisiting hippies trends from the 1960s gives young people a chance to express themselves in the real world, off of social media apps. One of the best ways to showcase your beliefs is through clothing. The hippie attire is quickly making a comeback, revealing how the younger generation sees the world.
Ivy League Style
SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE, FRANCE - JANUARY 29: Guest attends the Les Sculptures Jacquemus Fashion Show at Fondation Maeght on January 29, 2024 in Saint-Paul-De-Vence, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
No matter what anyone says, there’s a certain level of confidence you have when you dress well. Looking in the mirror and appreciating your reflection allows you to start the day on the right foot. The Ivy League Style includes wears nice sweaters, button-up shirts, and khaki pants. When other people see this, it’s typically thought the person wearing it is full of themselves or well off. Dressing for success should be encouraged, even if it gives off 60s vibes.
Pencil Skirts
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Chloe Fineman attends SiriusXMs Radio Andy Theater Live at The Green Room 42 on January 22, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Another office look that professional women adore first started in the 1960s was pencil skirts. This look allows women to feel confident in the workplace, while also showcasing a stylish appearance that isn’t copied from men. The best part about a pencil skirt is how easily women can wear them out on date nights or to casual events. When purchasing clothes, it’s great to choose versatile pieces that can be used in multiple settings. Pencil skirts are a staple that looked good back then, today, and in future generations.
Mod Style
Switching between looks that are both professional and casual is super doable. Mod style is a trend that deserves to resurface soon enough. This style is for women who love the city lifestyle. This trend combines dresses with jackets or hats to make women look more “official” and well put together. Tall boots are often worn with each outfit to create a greater sense of confidence that comes with an extra inch or two of height.
Colorful Socks
One of the easiest ways to express yourself and your views on the world is by rocking colorful socks. These days, wearing colorful socks shows that you’re an ally of the LGBTQ community. Tons of people are starting to align themselves with this community, which means more LGBTQ people can safely come out of the closet.
While this isn’t the only message that can be shown through colorful socks, it’s typically the message that’s received by other people. These socks were beloved in the 60s, and they should still be worn now.
Short Swimsuits For Men
IBIZA, SPAIN - JULY 21: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Pixie Lott and Oliver Cheshire are seen at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza at the presentation of the Global Gift Beach Party on July 21, 2017 in Ibiza, Spain. (Photo by Iconic/All/Getty Images)
Along with short shorts, short swimsuits for men are becoming more common in the male community today. There have been pockets of time when most men wouldn’t be caught dead without a swimsuit that went to their knees at the lowest. Today, the beach is filled with men wearing swimsuits that go roughly halfway down their thighs. This trend started in the 1960s, and has been screaming for a comeback.
Flat Shoes
BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 06: Romee Strijd attends the Marc Cain Fashion Show at Arena Berlin on February 06, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
There’s nothing more uncomfortable than walking around in heels all day. Women used to think this was necessary in order to attract a partner. These days, women are free to prioritize comfort ahead of all else! Flat shoes are commonly worn by women who are visiting party towns like Las Vegas and Miami so they can comfortably dance.
Beyond nightlife experiences, women have started to wear these in their daily life a lot more. Flats were beloved in the 60s, and the deserve to maintain that love today.
Combover Hair
American actor Edd Byrnes (1932-2020), his hair styled in a quiff, wearing a white shirt, open at the collar, beneath a black jacket, United States, circa 1960. (Photo by Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In the 1960s, most men rocked the combover hairstyle. Today, after many years of figuring out the best way to style hair, it appears the answer is a combover. This look presents someone who’s confident with life figured out. It must be maintained often, which gives the appearance of someone who has a good amount of money. Having a hairstyle you feel confident in is one of the best things you can do for yourself. ]
Turtlenecks
Going to cold places means it’s crucial to pack warm clothes that can be layered. The turtleneck outfit is a great way to stay warm when you’re going up against the elements. The best part about turtlenecks is that they’re gender neutral. Just about everyone can wear one and feel good about it. They were beloved in the 1960s, which means they should have a chance to resurface today.
Penny Loafer Shoes
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Charles D. King attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images)
Penny loafers are a great shoe to wear if you’re seeking true comfort when walking around. They’re easy to slip into, warm on the inside, and incredibly durable. You can wear them during the summertime to run errands easily. The shoe easily pairs with almost any outfit you wear. Whether it’s a pair of sweats and a hoodie or a nice button-up and khakis, some penny loafers will perfectly bring the whole look together.
Tie-Dye Shirts
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Tie-dye shirts made of rainbow color schemes are a symbol of peace and unity in 2024. This look is for someone who wants to be known as a chill and accepting person. Colorful shirts goes hand in hand with happiness and keeping a positive attitude no matter what life throws at you. After everything society has collectively been through (and will continue to go through in the near future), having tie-dye shirts on deck to create good vibes is a must.
Pearls
Attracting the life you want and desire has become huge since the explosion of TikTok and other social media apps. One of the easiest ways to do this is by dressing the part. While wearing real pearls might be too costly and out of range for people who aren’t at that point yet, people can still purchase fake ones. They will bring you confidence and a new found sense of certainty of yourself. Pearls were a huge staple in the 1960s, and they’re still admired now.
Watches
When cell phones were first invented, they took away the need to wear watches. There was a time when it felt like society might never see watches on wrists again. However, the style and ability to match outfits with watches is something both men and women still adore.
Like pearls, watches can be incredibly expensive. Don’t hurt yourself financially by buying the most expensive ones if you don’t have to. Buying a more affordable watch that looks expensive gets the job done the same way. Click here to read more about trends that should go out of style in 2024.